Boiler feed water supply system



April 21, 1942. H. D. FoRsE BOILER FEED WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM Filed March 7, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. flak/er J, Fo/esE.

April 1942. H. p. FQRSE 2,280,574

BOILER FEED WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM Filed March 7, 1940 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Apr. 21, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 13 Claims.

This invention relates to a method of and apparatus for supplying water to a boiler for steam generation thereby, which steam may be utilized as for example, expended by pressing machines as distinguished from a closed system steam ar rangement wherein the steam after doing the work intended, condenses and returns to the boiler.

The problem, therefore, in a boiler system intended for the specific use mentioned by way of example only, is one'wherein there must be supplied water for steam generation and not water merely for make-up purposes. This type of system requires the quite frequent supply of water to the boiler and for small pressing plant installations, the boiler and steam generating system must be arranged for economical operation to generate rapidly a relatively small amount of steam and, therefore, it is uneconomical to generate a large volume of steam for possible use, such large volume necessitating a large boiler capacity.

The chief object of this invention is to supply water for steam generation to a steam generating boiler of limited capacity and in a controlled manner so that steam may be economically gen erated.

The chief feature of the invention consists in supplying water to a reservoir and from the reservoir supplying the water as required to the boiler, the water in the reservoir being preheated and the reservoir and boiler being so connected that the water may be supplied to the boiler by gravity by reason of the balancing of boiler pressure on the reservoir containing the water during the supplying interval to the boiler.

Another and equally important feature is the automatic control of the water supply to the reservoir and the communications between that reservoir and the boiler.

Another feature of the invention consists in reducing the effectiveness of boiler pressure on the reservoir during the interval the water is supplied thereto, and this likewise is automatically effected.

Other objects and features of the invention will be set forth more fully hereinafter.

The full nature of the invention will be understood from the accompanying drawings and the following description and claims:

In the drawings, Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic elevation of one embodiment of the invention showing the same with apparatus capable of manual operation as well as automatic operation.

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic plan view of a mechanical type header structure, wherein all the control valves are incorporated.

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic elevational view of a control or cam shaft for cyclic control associated with one of the normally closed valves, the cam operation being of indirect character by means of an interposed rocker arm.

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic time chart of the operation of the several control valves, the full lines indicating one method of operation and the dotted lines indicating a second method of operation.

Fig. 5 is a wiring diagram of a solenoid operable valve arrangement of the drum controller type of valve control.

Fig. 6 is a side elevation of the header and electro valve.

Fig. 7 is a side elevation of holding switch control.

Fig. 8 is a similar view of a modified form thereof.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of a modified form of float operable switch.

In Fig. 1 of the drawings, l0 indicates a conventional boiler arrangement provided with a gauge II and a steam outlet and supply line 12 controlled by a valve l3 by which steam may be utilized for pressing and like machines. The numeral N indicates the normal water level in this conventional boiler and the float l5 actuates a switch member Hi so that it engages a contact l'l to close a circuit between lines l8 and I9 to a motor, not shown, the same being the control element for supplying water to the boiler.

Associated with the boiler is a fuel supply line 20 controlled by a valve 2| and having burner arrangement 22 for heating the water to form steam in said boiler and under pressure. The boiler, if desired, may be provided with a cleanout drain structure 23 controlled by valve 24. The boiler also may be provided with a water glass construction 25. The boiler includes a pressure discharge line 26 and a water supply line 21, the former discharging from that portion of the boiler not including the water but the steam and herein from the top of said boiler and the latter discharging to the water containing portion of the boiler and herein to the bottom thereof.

There is provided a reservoir 28 and the same may include a drain 1'9 controlled by the valve 30. This is for dirt collection and removal. The line 26 communicates with the top of the reservoir 28 as at 3|. The boiler water supply line 21 communicates with the reservoir 28 at the bottom of the latter, as indicated at 32. The reservoir is supplied by a. pressure line 33 and the latter preferably communicates with the reservoir near the bottom thereof. The reservoir is provided, if desired, with water glass gauge structure 34. The reservoir also is provided with a vent pipe 35 leading from the top of the reservoir.

The line 26 which connects, as herein illustrated, the top of the boiler to the top of the reservoir, includes a manually adjustable regulating valve 36 and a valve 31 which is of quick opening and quick closing type.- Valve 36 is provided for regulation only while the valve 31 is provided for control purposes hereinafter more specifically to be pointed out.

The line 21 between the boiler and the reservoir and connected to the bottoms of both, includes a regulating valve 38 and a quick opening and quick closing valve 39, the functions of which are substantially the same as the valves 36 and 31, previously mentioned.

The pressure supply line 33 includes the regulating valve 40 and the quick opening and quick closing valve 4|. The vent line in a like manner, is provided with the regulating valve 42 and the quick opening and quick closing valve 43.

When close regulation is not desired, it is quite apparent that the valves 36, 38, 48 and 42 may be omitted and the several lines, reduced to the desired diameters, then will accomplish the same function. However, to adjust the present invention to the steam pressure operable and/or steam consuming device, or devices, these valves have value although after adjustment they require no further attention and have no cyclic control which is the function of the valves 31, 39, 4| and 43.

For an understanding of the broad phase of the invention, it is to be understood that the valve 4| is opened to fill the reservoir with water to the desired degree. Valve 4| is then closed. Thereafter the valve 38 is opened to permit water to discharge by way of line 21 to the boiler. When the required amount of water is in the boiler, the valve 38 is closed. Then the valve 43 is opened to vent the reservoir to permit water to be supplied by line 33 to the same through the valve 4| when opened. The valves 43 and 4| may be closed simultaneously.

During the following interval and during the interval that water was being supplied to the auxiliary reservoir, the valve 38 is closed as well as the valve 31 and the heat source 22 generates steam which is under pressure in the boiler Ill. This steam then is applied, by reason of the fact the valve 31 is then opened to the reservoir 28, and serves to preheat the water therein. To prevent release of pressure and escape of steam, vent controlling valve 43 is closed at this time. When steam is drawn from the boiler through line I2, the water level lowers as the steam is generated and withdrawn and when the desired lower level has been reached, the valve 38 is opened and water is supplied to the boiler. Valve 31 during this water supply period is still open so that there is a balance of pressure on the water in the reservoir 28 which pressure is created by the boiler so that the water in the reservoir 28 can flow by gravity, assisted by pressure on the top thereof to the boiler l0.

When the required amount of water has been discharged, the valve 38is closed as well as the valve 31, if the reservoir requires replenishment. For replenishment, the valve 4| is opened and to permit this water supply, which is under pressure, to fill the reservoir to the desired degree,

the vent valve 43 is opened. The timing of the opening of these two valves maybe such the pressure on the reservoir 28 may be relieved prior to water supply thereto by venting through line by opening valve 43 before the valve 4| is opened. As stated, valve 4| and valve 43 may be closed simultaneously. Following such closing the valve 31 is opened whenever preheating of the water in the reservoir is desired.

It will be quite apparent that after the boiler has once generated steam under pressure, the vent 35 must be kept closed to retain boiler pressure whenever valve 51 and/or valve 38 is opened. Should valve 43 be opened while valve 31 is opened, steam will escape without functioning, Should valve 38 be opened while valve 43 be opened and valve 31 be closed, boiler pressure will be suificient to force the water in a reverse direction through conduit 21, fill the reservoir and then discharge this water from the vent 35. To prevent this, a check valve may be incorporated, if desired, in line 21. The same is not necessary in the cyclic arrangement previously described, as the preferred method of boiler operation.

It will be recalled that a float switch has been described previously in describing the appurtenances applied to the boiler. From what has gone before, it is obvious that the system may be entirely manually controlled and this float switch arrangement is unnecessary. In the preferred form of the invention, however, the system is automatically controlled and boiler supply replenishment is controlled automatically and as illustrated in Fig. 1, by the float switch arrangement, although other automatic controls may be substituted therefor.

When there is an automatic control arrangement, it is to be understood the several valves 31, 39, 4| and 43 are all brought to a common location and these several valves are normally constrained to closed position and have exposed stems, each of which is preferably cam operable either directly or indirectly as by a rocker arm interposed between the proper cam and the associated stem.

A motor, the circuit of which is controlled by lines l8 and I9, secures rotation of the cam shaft having the several cooperating cams thereon for actuating the several valve stems to open the several valves at the predetermined time in the cycle and hold the same open the predetermined interval as required.

This represents the simplest form of automatic control and assumes that for each operation of valve 4| there will be a corresponding operation of valve 39 and the same amount of water supplied to the reservoir will be supplied to the boiler. When, however, the amount of water supplied to the reservoir at each opening of the valve 4| is greater than the amount of water supplied to the boiler upon opening valve 39, then the valve 33 is actuated a plurality of times for each actuation or opening of the valve 4|. Thus, a single cam actuation for the rotation of the cam shaft will be provided for and a single corresponding cam will simultaneously, as it were, open the valve 43 and the valves 31 and 38 will remain closed during the period these two valves are simultaneously open. During all the remaining interval the valve 31 will remain open. However, the valve 38 may be opened a plurality of times for each operation of the 'by finger I62.

other valves as required by the boiler requirements if the plural opening of valve 39 is employed.

It also will be understood that while a so-called motor and cam embodiment of automatic control is illustrated in the drawings and will be now more specifically described, that the invention readily lends itself to the utilization of solenoid operable valves of the quick opening and quick closing type so that the same may be electrically connected with the result that they are electrically interlocked so as to properly function in' proper time cycle relationship and the valve 36 is actuated as many times per cycle or but a single time per cycle of operation of the valve H, as the boiler required replenishment.

In Fig. 2, the numeral 50 indicates a header to which the several lines 21, 26, 53 and connect. Theheader is interposed therein and is of multi-chamber character as diagrammatically indicated at 5|.

In Fig. 3 the header is indicated by the numeral 50, the valve stem by numeral 52, the spring holding the valve open by numeral 53 and the hearing or head portion of the stem by numeral 54. Positioned thereabove is rocker arm 55 pivoted at 56 and constrained upwardly as by spring 51. Adjacent the parallel rocker arms 55 is cam shaft 56 having the cam portions 59 thereon. When the proper cam portion engages the adjacent rocker arm, the associated valve stem is depressed opening the valve in the chamber 5| for fluid flow through that chamber of the header.

A motor, not shown in Figs. 2 and 3, provided with reduction gearing rotates cam shaft 56. The motor circuit is controlled by switch I6-I'| either directly or remotely as will be understood in motor control art. If remotely controlled, this float operable switch closes a circuit through an electrically operated switch included in series with the motor. If directly controlled, switch I6-Il is in series with the motor.

Fig. 4 indicates a time cycle chart of operations for the several valves. The broken portions below the dotted line designated by 39' indicate an optional operation of valve 39 when the same operates a plurality of times per total cycle. The heavy lines indicate the valve-open condition for the respectively designated valves.

In Figs. 5 and 6 there is illustrated an electric type of control. The header I includes for each chamber I5I a normally closed valve having stem I52 and spring I 53 bearing on head I54 normally constraining the valve to closed position. A solenoid I55 when energized is arranged to open the valve in opposition to the spring. A drum controller I58 includes thereon a contact segmenl I59. Adjacent the plane of rotation of said s'egment is contact finger I60.

A contact segment |6I (a ring) is contacted Line I63 thereto thus supplies current to the drum. A line I64 from each control finger I transmits current from the drum by way of the segment I59 to the proper solenoid or coil. A line I65 connects all the other terminals of said solenoids to the other side of the supply mains.

In Fig. 5, the numeral I10 indicates a motor,

I'll a reduction drive for the drum controller and I'I2-I'I3 the mains to the motor, one of which is interrupted at I'|4I|5 bridgeable by contact I16 operated by solenoid I'll included in the float switch I8I9 circuit.

When the boiler calls for water, the float switch is closed which closes the motor controlling solenoid switch. Upon motor operation, the drum controller supplies in cyclic relation energy to the several valve solenoids.

As illustrated in Fig. 5 and indicated by dotted line I and spaced segments I SI and finger I62, one valve may be repetltiously operated for one revolution of the drum controller.

incident to an increase or decrease in boiler load resulting from the connection thereto of another steam consuming device or disconnection thereof.

The only expense incident to controller modification is grinding off at either or both ends a part of the circuit segment I59 or replacing one with a slightly longer segment. For cam shaft control variation an entirely new cam shaft must be provided, or the old one reground for reductions, or shoes added and reground for additions.

In Figs. 7 and 8,-there is illustrated two forms of automatic control for the motor driving the reduction gear which rotates the controller or the cam shaft.

In Fig. '7, shaft 258 carries a wheel 260 having a recess 26I in its periphery. Adjacent thereto at 262 there is pivoted an arm 263 mountin follower 264 that rides the periphery of wheel 260. Clips 265 mount a mercury switch 266 having terminals 261 and 268 therein. Terminal 261 is connected to float switch line I8. Line 269 connects to the motor or motor controlling relay as previously described.

A line 210 with normally open manually operable push button switch 2' therein is in parallel with the float switch. Thus. the motor may be started at will by the operator, the push button being located where most convenient, or duplicated at a plurality of locations as desired, all push buttons being in multiple. a

After the motor has started, it revolves shaft 258 so that the follower 264 leaves the recess 26I and rides the periphery until it again seats in recess 26I breaking the motor circuit after one cycle of operation.

This motor circuit is thus held closed by the periphery tilted mercury switch. When the switch is reversely tilted to open circuit position by roller 264 dropping into recess 26I, the rotation of the cam shaft or drum controller ceases. No further rotation occurs until the float switch closes the circuit or the operator closes the manual switch 2lI.

In Fig. 8 numerals of the three hundred series similar to those of the 200 series employed in Fig. 7 indicate like or similar parts. The only difference herein is that the periphery of wheel 360 includes a plurality of recesses 361 suitably spaced apart. These recesses correspond to the motor stopping after valv 39 has been once opened and closed, and represent the stoppage position of the motor after each step-by-step movement of the cam shaft or drum controller has been effected for repetitious opening of valve 39 per cycle of system operation.

In this instance, either the float switch or the push button switch can energize the motor to start wheel rotation until the motor circuit maintaining mercury switch again opens the motor circuit or the motor control circuit if the system is of remote control character.

Wheels 260 and 360 have the same rate of rotation as the drum controller or cam shaft.

It is quite obvious that the float operable switch l6i| may be of merccid type whenever desired or required. This prevents arcing, particularly dangerous when the device is utilized in a cleaning establishment where fumes may be of explosive character. Likewise each push button switch may be of mercoid switch type for the same reason, to wit. safety protection.

In Fig. 9 there is illustrated a modified form of float operable switch which readily lends. itself to variable water level adjustment without requiring access interiorly of the boiler for float adjustment, and which does not require external adjustment of an external switch and one wherein the problem of sealing against water and steam leakage is minimized.

In said Fig. 9 the boiler wall 600 is tapped at GM to sealingly receive a fitting 602 to the interior end of which is suitably secured a somewhat rigid but still flexible steam hose section 603, the other end of which is secured to a similar but reversely positioned fixture 604, the stub of which threads into a closed chamber structure 605.

Thus, the interior of the chamber does not communicate with the boiler interior although the arrangement is mounted interiorly of the boiler. In said chamber is mercury switch 606 and wires 60! thereto are passed into the chamber as shown.

A float 609 includes stem 6H1 threadedly connected to chamber structure 605 at Bill as shown.

The several joints of the interconnected tubular members and joint Bill are of leakproof character.

In the side of the boiler 600 is an opening 6H adjacent joint Gill and a leakproof seal 6l2 therein of conventional type supports portion 6l3 but permits turning thereof. A radial arm extension 6 terminates in a handle portion H5. The boiler on is adjacent external face may have serrations, teeth, etc., BIG, which cooperate with arm 6 to retain same in adjusted angular position. The opposite end of portion 6l3 includes the radial interior arm Bll terminating in portion 5| 8 positioned adjacent hose 603 and upon which the latter bears.

As the water level falls in the boiler, the float 609 follows and the hose is the hinge, the portion 6l8 serving as the pivot or fulcrum. Now, as the handle 6i 5 is moved clockwise or anticlockwise support portion SIB. lowers or elevates, respectively, thus raising or lowering the position of the fulcrum as well as moving same outwardly from or inwardly toward fixture 602.

In this manner water level control is adjusted. Water level usual control operation thus is effected other than through a packing structure, and, of course, the switch per se requires no adiustment. 4

This float operable switch may be substituted for that conventionally illustrated in Fig. 1.

While the inventionhas been illustrated and described in great detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character.

The several modifications described herein as well as others which will readily suggest themselves to persons skilled in this art, all are considered to be within the broad scope of the invention, reference beinghad to the appended claims.

The invention claimed is: Y

1. In a boiler and supply arrangement, the combination with a boiler and a source 01 heat therefor for forming steam therein, of an auxiliary reservoir having a drain to the boiler, a pressure line subject to boiler pressure and connected to the reservoir, a vent from said reservoir, a pressure water supply to the reservoir, individual valve means for the drain. pressure line. vent and supply, and means automatically controlling all of said valve means operation, each of said valve means being of normally closed character and constrained toward closed position and the automatic controlling means including a single rotatable controlling element for insuring operation of the respective valves and to open position and for 'a predetermined interval and in opposition to the constraint.

2. In a boiler and supply arrangement, the combination with a boiler and a source of heat therefor for forming steam therein, or an auxiliary reservoir having a drain to the boiler, a pressure line subject to boiler pressure and connected to the reservoir, a vent from said reservoir, a pressure water supply to the reservoir, individual valve means for the drain, pressure line, vent and supply, and means automatically controlling all of said valve means operation. each of said valve means being of normally closed character and constrained toward closed position and the automatic controlling means including a single rotatable controlling element for insuring operation of the respective valves and to open position and for a predetermined interval and in opposition to the constraint, the single controlling rotatable element being 01 the electric controller switch type.

3. In a boiler and supply arrangement, the combination with a boiler and a spurce of heat therefor for forming steam therein, 01 an auxiliary reservoir having a drain to the boiler, a pressure line subject to boiler pressure and connected to the reservoir, a vent from said reservoir, a pressure water supply to the reservoir, individual valve means for the drain, pressure line, vent and supply, and means automatically controlling all of said valve means operation, each of said valve means being of normally closed character and constrained toward closed position and the automatic controlling means including a single rotatable controlling element for insuring operation of the respective valves and to open position and for a predetermined interval and in opposition to the constraint, the single controlling rotatable element being of cam shaft type.

4. In a boiler and supply arrangement, the combination with a boiler and a source of heat therefor for forming steam therein, of an auxiliary reservoir having a drain to the boiler, a pressure line subject to boiler pressure and connected to the reservoir, a vent from said reservoir, a pressure water supply to the reservoir, individual valve means for the drain, pressure line, vent and supply, and means automatically controlling all of said valve means operation, each of said valve means being of normally closed character and constrained toward closed position and the automatic controlling means including a single rotatable controlling element for insuring operation of the respective valves and to open position and for a predetermined interval and in opposition to the constraint, a cam member rotatable in timed relation with the single rotatable element, a motor for rotating the latter and the cam member, switch means for initiating motor operation, and other switch means operable by said cam member for maintaining motor operation for the desired interval and then discontinuing the motor operation.

5. In a boiler and supply arrangement, the combination with a'boiler and a source of heat therefor for forming steam therein, of an auxiliary reservoir having a drain to the boiler, a pressure line subject to boiler pressure and connected to the reservoir, a vent from said reservoir, a pressure water supply to the reservoir, individual valve means for th drain, pressure line, vent and supply, and means automatically controlling all 01' said valve means operation, each of said valve means being of normally closed character and constrained toward closed position and the automatic controlling means including a single rotatable controlling element for insuring operation of the respective valves and to open position and for a predetermined in-- terval and in opposition to the constraint, a cam member rotatable in timed relation with the single rotatable element, a motor for rotating the latter and the cam member, switch means for initiating motor operation, and other switch.

means operable by said cam member for maintaining motor operation for the desired interval and then discontinuing the motor operation, the cam member and other switch means association being of repetitious motor operation charactor for each rotation of the cam member.

6. In a boiler and supply arrangement, the combination with a boiler and a source of heat therefor for forming steam therein, or an auxiliary reservoir having a drain to the boiler, a pressure line subject to boiler pressure and connected to the reservoir, a vent from said reservoir, a pressure water supply to the reservoir, individual valve means for th drain, pressure line, vent and supply, and means automatically controlling, all of said valve means operation, each of said valve means being of normally closed character and constrained toward closed position and the automatic controlling means including a single rotatable controlling element for insuring operation ofthe respective valves and to open position and for a predetermined interval and in opposition to the constraint, a cam member rotatable in timed relation with the single rotatable element, a motor for rotating the latter and the cam, member, boiler water level responsive, switch means for initiating motor operation, and other switch means operable by said cam member for maintaining motor operation for the desired interval and then discontinuing the motor operation.

'7. In a boiler and supply arrangement, the combination with a boiler and a source of heat therefor for. forming steam therein, or an auxiliary reservoir having a drain to the boiler, a pressure line subject to boiler pressure and connected to the reservoir, a vent from said reservoir, a pressure water supply to the reservoir, individual valve means for the drain, pressure line, vent and supply, and means automatically controlling all of said valve means operation, each of said valve means being of normally closed character and constrained toward closed position and the automatic controlling means including a single rotatable controlling element for insuring operation of the respective valves to open position and for a predetermined interval and in opposition to the constraint, a cam member rotatable in timed relation with the single rotatable element, a motor for rotating the latter and the cam member, boiler water level .responsive, switch means for initiating motor operation, and other switch means operable by said cam member for maintaining motor operation for the desired interval and then discontinuing the moto;'- operation, the cam member and other switch means association being of repetitious motor operation character for each rotation of the cam member.

8. In a boiler and supply arrangement, the combination with a boiler and a source of heat therefor for forming steam therein, or an auxiliary reservoir having a drain to the boiler, a pressure line subject to boiler pressure and connected to the reservoir, a vent from said reservoir, a pressure water supply to the reservoir, individual valve means for the drain, pressure line, vent and supply, and means automatically controlling all of said valve means operation, each of said valve means being of normally closed character and constrained toward closed position and the automatic controlling means including a single rotatable controlling element forinsuring operation of the respective valves and to open position and for a predetermined interval and in opposition to the constraint, a cam member rotatable in timed relation with the single rotatable element, a motor for rotating the latter and the cam member, manually operable switch means for initiating motor operation, and other switch means operable by said cam member for maintaining motor operation for the desired interval and then discontinuing the motor opera on.

9. In a boiler and supply arrangement, the combination with a boiler and a source of heat therefor for forming steam therein, of an auxiliary reservoir having a drain to the boiler, a pressure line subject to boiler pressure and connected to the reservoir, a vent from said reservoir, a pressure water supply to the reservoir, individual valve means for the drain, pressure line, vent and supply, and means automatically controlling all of said valve means operation, each of said valve means being of normally closed character and constrained toward closed position and the automatic controlling means including a single rotatable controlling element for insuring operation of the respective valves and to open position and for a predetermined interval and in opposition to the constraint, a cam member rotatable in timed relation with the single rotatable element, a motor for rotating the latter and the cam member, manually operable switch means for initiating motor operation, and other switch means operable by said cam member for maintaining motor operation for the desired interval and then discontinuing the motor operation, the cam member and other switch means association being of repetitious motor operation character for each rotation of the cam member.

10. In a boiler and supply arrangement, the combination with a boiler and a source of heat therefor for forming steam therein, 01 an auxiliary reservoir having a drain to the boiler, a pressure line subject to boiler pressure and connected to the reservoir, a vent from said reservoir, a pressure water supply to the reservoir, individual valve means for the drain, pressure line, vent and supply, and means automatically controlling all of said valve means operation, each of said valve means being of normally closed character and constrained toward closed position and the automatic controlling means including a single rotatable controlling element for insuring operation of the respective valves and to open position and for a predetermined interval and in opposition to the constraint, a

' cam member rotatable in timed relation with the single rotatable element, a motor for rotating the latter and the cam member, boiler level responsive switch means for initiating motor operation, manually operable switch means in parallel therewith for a like purpose, and other switch means operable by said cam member for maintaining motor operation for the desired interval and then discontinuing the motor operation.

11. In a boiler and supply arrangement, the combination with a boiler and a source of heat therefor for forming steam therein, of an auxiliary reservoir having a drain to the boiler, a pressure line subject to boiler pressure and connected to the reservoir, a vent from said reservoir, a pressure water supply to the reservoir, individual valve means for the drain, pressure line, vent and supply, and means automatically .controlling all of said valve means operation,

each of said valve means being of normally closed character and constrained toward closed position and the automatic controlling means including a single rotatable controlling element for insuring operation of the respective valves and to open position and for a predetermined interval and in opposition to the constraint, a cam member rotatable in timed relation with the single rotatable element, a motor for rotating the latter and the cam member, boiler level responsive switch means for initiating motor operation, manually operable switch means in parallel therewith for a like purpose, and other switch means operable by said cam member for maintaining motor operation for the desired interval and then discontinuing the motor operation, the cam member and said other switch means association being of repetitious motor operation character for each rotation of the cam member.

12. In a boiler and supply arrangement, the combination with a boiler and a source of heat Til therefor for forming steam therein, of an auxiliary reservoir having a drain to the boiler, a pressure line subject to boiler pressure and connected to the reservoir, a vent from said reservoir, a pressure water supply to the reservoir, individual valve means for th drain, pressure line, vent and supply, and means automatically controlling all of said valve means operation, each of said valve. means being 01 normally closed character'and constrained toward closed valve position and the automatic controlling means including a single rotatable controlling element for insuring operation of the respective valves and to the open position and maintenance therein for a predetermined interval and in opposition to the constraint, the single controlling rotatable element being of cam shaft type and having appropriate cam means thereon, and individual rocker arm means associated with each valve means and juxtapositioned adjacent the appropriate cam means for operation thereby.

13. In a boiler and supply arrangement, the combination with a boiler and a source of heat therefor for forming steam therein, of an auxiliary reservoir having a drain to the boiler, a pressure line subject to boiler pressure and connected to the reservoir, a vent from said reservoir, a pressure water supply to the reservoir, individual valve means for the drain, pressure line, vent and supply, and means automatically controlling all of said valve means operation, each of said valve means being of normally closed character and constrained toward closed valve position and the automatic controlling means including a single rotatable controlling element for insuring operation of the respective valves andto the open position and maintenance therein for a predetermined interval and in opposition to the constraint, the single controlling rotatable element being of drum controller type and having appropriate contact segments thereon, individual coil means associated with each valve means, and individual switch contacts for each coil means and juxtapositioned relative to the segments on the controller for selective engagement by said segments for selective coil means energization.

, HARR Y D. FORSE. 

